Basic Biology
Biology is the study of life and life processes.
       1. Cellular Structure                        All living organisms are made up of cells.
                                                    The protoplasm gives the cell a definite
                                                     shape.
       2. Metabolism                                The various life processes which occur in the
                                                     body of an organism are collectively known
                                                     as metabolism.
                                                    Metabolism consists of anabolism and
                                                     catabolism.
       3. Growth, Repair and Death                  Growth is the addition of new protoplasmic
                                                     material.
                                                    It is a permanent, irreversible process.
                                                    Growth and repair replace worn out cells and
                                                     heal wounds and fractures.
                                                    Some organisms can regrow or regenerate
                                                     certain parts of the body.
                                                    Example: Lizards can regenerate their tails.
       4. Respiration                               It is a catabolic process by which an
                                                     organism assimilates oxygen, oxidises
                                                     organic substances and releases carbon
                                                     dioxide, water vapour and energy.
       5. Movement                                  Movement is any change brought about in
                                                     the orientation of any part of the body of
                                                     organisms.
                                                    Example: Plants grow roots against sunlight,
                                                     while stems, leaves and flowers move
                                                     towards sunlight.
                                                    Amoeba locomotes by projecting
                                                     pseudopodia.
       6. Nutrition                                 The process by which living organisms
                                                     assimilate food and use it for growth and
                                                     replacement of tissues is known as
                                                     nutrition.
                                                    Feeding, digestion and assimilation help
                                                     nutrition to take place.
                                                    Green plants synthesise their food by using
                                                     carbon dioxide and water in the presence of
                                                     sunlight by the process of photosynthesis.
7. Excretion                        It is the process of removal of harmful waste
                                     products derived from the organism’s own
                                     metabolism.
8. Irritability                     Any change in the environment to which an
                                     organism responds is called a stimulus.
                                    The capacity of an organism to react to
                                     stimuli in a particular manner is called
                                     irritability.
                                    Example: Response of a plant to light and
                                     gravity.
9. Reproduction and Evolvability    Each living organism has the ability to
                                     produce new individuals resembling it in all
                                     essential features.
10. Life Span and Death             The period during which an organism
                                     completes its life cycle is called its life span.
Differences between Living and Non-living Things
                   Living Things                                Non-living Things
     Made up of cells.                             Lack cellular structures.
     Growth is by cell division.                   Growth is by the addition of similar kind of
                                                     material.
     They have the ability to reproduce similar    Do not reproduce.
      individuals.
Differences between the Growth of a Living Organism and the Growth
of a Crystal
           Growth of a Living Organism                        Growth of a Crystal
     1. Growth occurs by cell division.               1. Growth occurs by the addition of
                                                         similar material.
     2. Growth is irreversible.                       2. Growth is reversible.